H. ‘Smokey’

Overview

Registered in 2006, *Hosta* 'Smokey' is a medium-sized cultivar of unknown parentage (pod parent *H. 'Urajiro Hachijo'*, pollen parent unknown) distinguished by its blue-green foliage with dark green, slightly rippled margins and a glaucous bloom on the leaf undersides. The leaves are lance-shaped with rounded bases, lightly folded, and measure 9 inches (22.9 cm) long by 4 inches (10.2 cm) wide, with 7 to 8 vein pairs and a slightly shiny upper surface.

In the Garden

'Hosta' 'Smokey' forms a dense, rhizomatous clump reaching 18 inches (45.7 cm) in height and 24 inches (61.0 cm) in diameter, with a fast growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its blue-green coloration is most pronounced, and pairs well with ferns, heucheras, and other shade-tolerant perennials. Its medium size makes it suitable for border fronts, woodland gardens, or mass plantings, though it is not typically recommended for containers due to its spreading habit.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. While generally low-maintenance, slug and deer damage may occur in some gardens, requiring monitoring in typical hosta-growing zones.